the regional preparatory meeting for UNEA-7 kicked off, organized by @UNEPWestAsia and hosted by the Environment Authority of Oman (@eaoman), to discuss UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2026–2029 and the preparation of #UNEA7 The meeting was opened by H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Omri, President of the Environment Authority of Oman and President of UNEA-7, followed by remarks from Mr. Sami Dimassi, UNEP West Asia Regional Director.

 the regional preparatory meeting for UNEA-7 kicked off, organized by @UNEPWestAsia and hosted by the Environment Authority of Oman (@eaoman), to discuss UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2026–2029 and the preparation of #UNEA7 The meeting was opened by H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Omri, President of the Environment Authority of Oman and President of UNEA-7, followed by remarks from Mr. Sami Dimassi, UNEP West Asia Regional Director.

Representatives from the League of Arab States and all West Asian countries attended, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration on environmental issues. On behalf of civil society in West Asia, Eng.

Marie Therese Seif, President of Human environmental Association for Development, and Dr. Mohammed Al-Zuhairi delivered the statement of the Major Group of West Asia, addressing the region’s urgent environmental challenges, including: Climate change 🌡️ Biodiversity loss 🌱 Water scarcity 💧 Environmental impacts of conflicts ⚔️ They also highlighted key priorities for action:

1️⃣ Recognize ecocide as an international crime and ensure accountability.

2️⃣ Establish independent fact-finding missions on environmental impacts in conflict areas. 3️⃣ Guarantee the right to environmental reconstruction as part of environmental justice and human rights.

4️⃣ Halt support for projects or policies that harm the environment or increase pollution.

5️⃣ Launch green jobs programs promoting social and environmental justice.

6️⃣ Implement Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration to ensure access to information, public participation, and environmental justice.

7️⃣ Resume funding for civil society organizations to enable their vital work.

8️⃣ Build capacities and strengthen regional cooperation to protect shared resources, especially water and biodiversity, based on international law and human rights.

These priorities reinforce that sustainable development cannot happen without a healthy environment, and a healthy environment cannot exist without peace.

#UNEA7 #WestAsia #Sustainability #EnvironmentalJustice #ClimateAction #GreenEconomy #PeaceAndEnvironment #CivilSociety